Medal of Excellence 2021

The American Association of Kidney Patients’ (AAKP) Medal of Excellence is one of the Association's highest honors for kidney healthcare professionals and is designed to elevate local, national and international figures who have been in the forefront of advancements in kidney care and patient empowerment. The award recognizes professionals who are committed to improving and extending the lives of all  kidney patients through advocacy, research, technology and quality-driven  treatments that protect patient dignity and fully align with patient aspirations. This prestigious award program recognizes a variety of professionals within the health care team including: nephrologists, transplant surgeons, transplant professionals, nurses, social workers, dietitians and dialysis technicians.

AAKP Congratulates the 2021 Medal of Excellence Award Recipients

AAKP honors Medal of Excellence recipients throughout the year at various events.  2021 recognition events* (virtual) include:

• AAKP recognizes Shannon Wright, BSW, as recipient of the 2021 Medal of Excellence Award in the Social Work Category. Watch Award Presentation.
• American Society of Transplant Surgeons Winter Symposium (January 16): Honoring Dr. Michael Alan Rees during the ASTS Awards Ceremony. Watch Award Presentation.
• Northwest Renal Dietitians Annual Conference (March 4-5): Honoring Katy Wilkens, MS, RD; Jessie Pavlinac, MS, RD, CSR, LD; and Kathy Schiro Harvey, MS, RD, CSR. Watch Award Presentation.
• National Association of Nephrology Technicians Dialysis Tech ConneXion Annual Conference (March 15-18): Honoring Brenda Rickards CHT, CCHT-A, FNKF during the State of the NANT Address. Watch Award Presentation.
• Renal Physicians Association Annual Meeting (March 18-20): Honoring Janice Lea, MD, MSC, FASN and Barry H. Smith, PhD, MD. Watch Award Presentation.
• American Nephrology Nurses Association Annual Symposium (May 2-5): Honoring Lillian Pryor, MSN, RN, CNN.
• American Transplant Congress (June 5-9): Honoring Emily A. Blumberg, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FAST during the American Society of Transplantation Town Hall.

*Additional events will be added as they are confirmed.

To recognize a 2020 awardee, please consider making an In-Honor donation in their name to AAKP (Donate Now) or consider sponsoring this year’s Medal of Excellence Award program (button to download sponsorship form)”.